7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn’t have hot water. It’s an annoying scenario, but don’t panic. Learning the most likely reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Do you have a gas water heater? It may not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspect rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas valves at your house.
• Don’t switch any electrical appliances on or off.
• Avoid smoking or using a lit match.
• Open windows and doors for ventilation and evacuate the building.
• Call the fire department and your utility provider.
• Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water problem can be hard to detect, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems secure, look at the gas valve to make sure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning correctly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. If that’s the case, this might mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to work properly. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Newer water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to see if your unit has a pilot light. If that’s the case, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to disperse before trying to relight it. Contact a professional for assistance if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set correctly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to use less energy while you were out of town, examine the thermostat to make sure it’s between 120 and 140 degrees F. While you’re at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a frequent reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, getting a new one to replace it may be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, sediment can accumulate in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and the possibility you’ll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in areas with hard water, but it can take place anywhere.

Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you could potentially need Expert services to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to identify sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.

6. Defective Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If you notice there isn’t any hot water, check the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.

If the breakers appear normal, the heating elements could be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters usually have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the bad components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water requirements, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know it’s important to solve your hot water issues promptly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, first-class customer service and reputation for excellent craftsmanship, you can rest assured we will go the extra mile to meet all your plumbing needs.

Don’t let a lack of hot water interrupt your life for even a minute longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 866-397-3787 today to arrange an appointment!